fictionalsciencefiction

Fictionalsciencefiction is a term used in literary analysis and fan discourse to describe works in which science is explicitly fictionalized and central to the story. The term combines "fictional science" and "science fiction" and is used to discuss modes where invented scientific principles or technologies propel world-building and plot rather than simply serving as a realistic backdrop.

Characteristics include a core premise built on invented or speculative science, a narrative focus on discovery, experimentation, and the consequences of new knowledge, and a willingness to bend scientific accuracy for thematic purposes. Works labeled as fictionalsciencefiction often foreground the exploration of epistemology, ethics of research, and societal impact of technology, sometimes featuring detailed institutions, laboratories, or exploratory campaigns.

Relationship to other genres: it overlaps with science fiction but is distinguished by its emphasis on fictional science as a plot engine rather than adherence to real-world scientific constraints. It may intersect with fantasy, speculative fiction, or metafiction when the "science" is deliberately unreliable or self-referential. The label is used mainly in criticism and discussions rather than as a formal genre category.

Examples and reception: Because fictionalsciencefiction is a descriptive descriptor rather than a fixed canon, examples are drawn from diverse media and discussions rather than a single set of works. Critics use the concept to analyze how creators fictionalize science to examine knowledge, power, uncertainty, and human values in speculative settings.